Learning a New Language
Learning a new language can be a rewarding and challenging experience despite its difficulty. It broadens one's understanding of people and their way of thinking. Some studies suggest that learning a new language helps the brain maintain focus as the result of regularly switching between languages. But how to learn a new language?
Discussion:
1. Where should one start when learning a new language?
2. What are some of your tips for learning a foreign language?
3. What do you think is the fastest way to learn a foreign language?
@globalBraid3744
I think learning from a course online or at a nearby community college is a great way to start learning a language! additionally I think apps like Duolingo is a great place to start learning language.
I think the fastest way to learn a language is to practice it with a native speaker. They can give you feedback on how you're doing and also give you insight into pronunciation, usage and even native slang.
@globalBraid3744 I think the fastest way to learn a language is to immerse yourself in it. Watch movies in that language, read books in that language and most importantly talk with people who are fluent in the language.
Hmmm, right now I need discipline to learn a new language, I say I want to learn, I will start, and then it turns to not being consistent and then I stop. Have to work on this....
Any who, any French learners here, that is the language I am interested in.
@KBeauty12
I have been learning French for some time as well but it is so difficult! I think that consistency and discipline are the most important elements when learning a new language.
1. start with things that interest you. for me that's always finding music in my target languages. my friend watches dramas to learn Korean.
2. don't be afraid to speak out loud. after i started using pimsleur, my speaking and listening improved drastically for Turkish. I'm currently also learning Tagalog and after many years of trying, I am finally able to have a simple conversation because of pimsleur.
3. fastest way is definitely immersion and speaking with native speakers regularly. if there's a local restaurant or shop or even a meetup group, they are great resources. watch tv shows and movies regularly, listen to podcasts or watch YouTube videos regularly. build that world around you if you don't live in an area with alot of native speakers. there's also the internet where you can meet many people learning the same language. also see if you can do a language exchange with someone learning your language.
@SolsticeSerenade
Thank you for your answer! I have also tried Pimsleur, and it was very helpful. As you say, I think it is the most efficient when combined with speaking. Unfortunately, I feel like I do not have much time to learn a language. I should definitely devote more time to it if I want to improve. How often do you do activities connected to learning a language (like watching a movie, listening to podcasts, etc.?)
I'm usually doing housework haha. i put it on while i work as well. (i work from home on the computer.) when i used to commute, i always played music in my target languages and i listened to language guides too. try to think of activities where you can have music, podcasts, or audiobooks playing in the background, like chores, work, commute, baths, walking outside, exercise, etc. some people put post it notes of vocabulary around the house or by the mirror where they brush their teeth. while I'm on the road, i say the numbers in my target language.
I'll see a sign that says 45 mph for example lol.
@SolsticeSerenade
Thank you for sharing these great tips! I will definitely try this. I have not thought of putting it as a background. I think it can be very effective.